Poly(Alkyl-Terphenyl Piperidinium) Ionomers and Membranes with an Outstanding Alkaline-Membrane Fuel-Cell Performance of 2.58 W cm-2

Aryl-ether-free anion-exchange ionomers (AEIs) and membranes (AEMs) have become an important benchmark to address the insufficient durability and power-density issues associated with AEM fuel cells (AEMFCs). Here, we present aliphatic chain-containing poly(diphenyl-terphenyl piperidinium) (PDTP) copolymers to reduce the phenyl content and adsorption of AEIs and to increase the mechanical properties of AEMs. Specifically, PDTP AEMs possess excellent mechanical properties (storage modulus>1800 MPa, tensile strength>70 MPa), H-2 fuel-barrier properties (<10 Barrer), good ion conductivity, and ex-situ stability. Meanwhile, PDTP AEIs with low phenyl content and high-water permeability display excellent peak power densities (PPDs). The present AEMFCs reach outstanding PPDs of 2.58 W cm(-2) (>7.6 A cm(-2) current density) and 1.38 W cm(-2) at 80 degrees C in H-2/O-2 and H-2/air, respectively, along with a specific power (PPD/catalyst loading) over 8 W mg(-1), which is the highest record for Pt-based AEMFCs so far.

Automated summary

The study introduces aliphatic chain-containing PDTP copolymers to enhance the performance of AEMFCs. By reducing phenyl content in AEIs and improving mechanical properties in AEMs, PDTP materials exhibit excellent performance indicators such as mechanical properties, fuel barrier properties, ion conductivity, and stability.